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1961 Map of Carrier Mills

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Carrier Mills
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

Industrial coal extraction and rural life define this section of southern Illinois, where the border between Williamson and Saline Counties is marked by an extensive landscape of Strip Mines. The New York Central railroad serves as the primary artery for the region, connecting the hub at Carrier Mills to smaller settlements like Delta and Newcastle. Extensive mining operations, including the Carmac Mine and Blue Bird Mine No 7, are deeply integrated into the terrain, often appearing alongside traditional landmarks like South America Ch and Providence Ch.

Water plays a critical role in the local geography, with the Saline River and its South Fork winding through the southern reaches near Stonefort. Notable wetlands such as Open Pond and Cottonwood Pond sit north of the river, while the eastern edge of the map transitions into the Shawnee National Forest. This survey captures the height of post-war mining activity before many of these pits were reclaimed or transformed.